Flow has announced the rebranding of its cutting-edge Advanced Video Services (AVS) to Horizon from Flow.
The rebrand will bring a refreshing upgrade to an already innovative TV product says Flow marketing reps.
The Company rolled out Horizon from Flow yesterday in Jamaica and across its other Caribbean markets, in the coming week the Turks & Caicos will benefit from Horizon.
The new brand was unveiled just days after it was announced that Liberty Global (LG) had acquired Flow’s parent company, Cable and Wireless (C&W).
It is likely the first of many upcoming positive changes for the residential quad-play provider – all of which will share the ultimate goal of revolutionizing the customer experience.
Horizon from Flow offers customers unparalleled control when accessing its vast array of content, including a diverse range of blockbuster movies and TV series on its Video on Demand platform (VOD), with convenient features such as the ability to rewind live TV and the cloud Personal Video Recorder (PVR).
The cloud PVR allows customers to access their favourite programs when they want and how they want, across multiple platforms. This benefit gives customers the ability to customize their viewing experience – meaning they can watch their favourite content whenever and wherever it fits into their schedule.
In addition, Flow will continue to offer customers the best, most in-demand content in the region – including access to coverage of the Premier League, Manchester United, the upcoming Rio Olympics, NFL and Caribbean’s Next Top Model.
“At Flow we understand that our customers demand a convenient, personalized TV experience that fits their lifestyle,” said Niall Merry, CWC’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“Now that we are a part of the Liberty Global family, we have an opportunity to bring even more benefits and enhancements to our product and services, and by rebranding Flow’s AVS to Horizon from Flow, we are aligning ourselves with a leader of innovative video entertainment.
We couldn’t be more excited about what this means for the future of TV in the Caribbean – this is what our customers have been waiting for.”
The rebranding will not affect any of Flow AVS’s already existing features; Horizon from Flow will continue to offer customers’ favourite programmes, and will still host all of its compelling features like VOD and PVR. Instead, by rebranding the product,
“Horizon from Flow will stand up to the standards set by its counterparts, and will be tailored to the unique Caribbean audience.” Added Merry.
The TCI is in the final preparations to offer customers Horizon from Flow.
CED partnering for improved programs for Small Business
The Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), along with the two Chambers of Commerce and the European Union’s COSME program, has been working to develop a “virtual business incubator” that can be used to provide mentors for local entrepreneurs and to assist them to access capital from venture capitalists and angel financiers.
CED and Chamber officials travelled to St. Maarten from May 17 – 20th, to work with the EU-COSME consultants to finalize and then launch the first step in the process, a web portal.
The new Carib Connect web portal provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors and academics to register on the site to share information, search for possible investor partners and to engage in peer to peer mentoring amongst small business owners. Carib Connect also provides various self-help tools for local entrepreneurs and links to other support services.
Sophia Thomas, who represented the CED at the meeting commented “The new Carib Connect web portal gives small business owners in the Overseas Territory a new opportunity to network with investors and mentors and to access a range of tools and techniques to assist them to launch a new business, sustain their current business or to expand.
I encourage all entrepreneurs in TCI and anyone with business expertise to sign up to Carib Connect at http://www.caribconnect.bidx.net and log in to the web portal to experience the opportunities”.
The launch of the web portal is just one of several initiatives where the Chamber, CED and COSME are cooperating to support small business. Other projects include:
• A business survey that will allow the TCI to compare its business environment with more than 185 countries in the World Bank’s annual Doing Business report.
• An OCT wide certified Management Consulting Association to allow TCI consultants access to more consulting opportunities globally.
• An OCT College web portal to provide opportunities for Colleges and Universities to assist small businesses with training and advice.
The CED is a not for profit organization dedicated to assisting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and is currently funded in part by the TCI Government, Chambers of Commerce and the Bankers Association. The CED is seeking private sector sponsors to help fund their ongoing work and is encouraging individuals with business expertise to volunteer their time with the CED, both in person at the CED offices in Graceway House and through the Carib Connect web portal.
National Cancer Survivor Day
National Cancer Survivors Day is observed on the 5th of June, this day has been approved to nationally celebrate with persons who have beaten the odds and are surviving cancer.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, which can invade and spread to different parts of the body. Cancer can have severe health consequences, and is a leading cause of death. The most common types of cancer in men are Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer while breast, colorectal, lung, uterine cervix, and stomach cancer are the most common among women.
Each year because of improved screenings and advanced treatment, more and more people are beating cancer. But, that doesn’t change the importance of being a cancer survivor and the hard fight that it takes to conquer and put cancer in its place is notably recognized.
Hon. Lillian Misick president of the TCI Cancer Foundation stated “that cancer survivors are strong and courageous”.
Changing or avoiding key risk factors, especially tobacco use, could prevent more than 30% of cancer deaths. Studies have shown that tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year. Early detection, precise diagnosis, and effective treatment help increase cancer survival.
“We honor and salute cancer survivors and their families who have supported them along the way, it was not easy but, you made it, you have proven that there is life after cancer” stated the Hon. Premier and Minister of Health Agriculture and Human Services DR. Rufus Ewing who also acknowledged the efforts of the Cancer Society for their assistance in providing cancer prevention and awareness information for our communities.
Modification of one’s diet is another important approach to cancer control as studies have also shown that there is a link between being overweight and obese to many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against many cancers. Regular physical activity (exercise) and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will significantly reduce cancer risk.
Alcohol use is a risk factor for many types’of cancers these includes, cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. The risk substantially increases if the person is also a heavy smoker.
The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services and by extension the National Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit celebrates with persons who have overcome and survived cancer.
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) will be hosting its first annual 'Job Readiness Fair' at the Dillon Hall, Grand Turk and the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Providenciales from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Wednesday, 8 June and Thursday, 9 June respectively.
These events will be open to all members of the community and in particular, persons seeking information on career opportunities within TCIG. Staff from the Deputy Governor's Office and the Human Resource Management Directorate will be on site providing advice on how to apply for jobs, interviewing tips and the recruitment process amongst other topics of interest.
Additionally, there will also be staff on hand from the various TCIG Ministries to provide advice and guidance specific to their respective Departments. These include but are not limited to Immigration, Customs, Education, Public Works, Health, Environment, Home Affairs, Finance and the AG's Chambers.
Deputy Governor, Hon. Anya Williams stated; "With the approval of the most recent budget, TCIG has approximately one hundred and fifty (150) new and/or vacant posts to fill across Government. This Job Readiness Fair is being undertaken to increase interest and public awareness of careers within TCIG as well as to provide persons residing in the TCI with every opportunity for gainful employment."
Sentence for Costa Concordia captain upheld over 2012 shipwreck
The prison sentence against the former captain of the Costa Concordia cruise liner for his role in the deadly 2012 shipwreck was upheld on Tuesday by an Italian court.
Both Francesco Schettino, who was commanding the ship when it hit rocks off the Tuscan island of Giglio, killing 32 people, and the prosecutor had appealed against the 16 years and one month sentence handed down last year.
But the Florence appeals court upheld the term.
Schettino was found guilty last year by a different court of multiple manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning his passengers in one of the highest-profile shipping disasters in recent years.
US Issues Travel Warning for Europe
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning alerting U.S. citizens to the to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation.
The Travel Alert that expires on August 31, 2016 states that "the large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months presents greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events."
In particular, the warning draws attention to the European Soccer Championship from June 10 – July 10 and the Tour de France cycling race which will be held from July 2 – 24 in France, as well as the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day event in Krakow, Poland, between July 26 and July 31, which is expected to attract up to 2.5 million visitors.
Although European authorities continue to take steps to assure public safety and disrupt terrorist plots, the State Department urged U.S. citizens to exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation.
Brussels was targeted by Islamic State terrorists in March, with 32 people killed in bombings that hit the city's airport and metro. IS also attacked Paris in November of last year, killing 130 people.
T&T minister gives assurances as another warning of ISIS attack emerges
Education officials were Monday giving students assurances that their security would not be compromised as a second voice note emerged in Trinidad and Tobago warning of an attack on secondary schools here.
Education Minister Anthony Garcia has denounced the latest security threat describing it as the work of deranged minds trying to destabilize the country.
He said he had been given an assurance from National Security minister that the students should not panic and that school will resume as usual on Tuesday. Monday is a public holiday here.
Last week, security officials were investigating the authenticity of a recording that warned of bombings that would occur at some of the shopping malls across the island. One person has since been taken into custody after police said he had phoned in a threat last Thursday.
In this latest recording, the voice warns that “there will be no CXC examinations on Wednesday and there will be no school for any secondary school students on Wednesday.
The Barbados-based Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has said that six Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) and three Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams are scheduled for June 1.
Women in Sports
In Celebration of Mother’s Day, the Women in Sports (WIS) will host their second annual Mother/Daughter Walk on Saturday May 14, 2016.
The purpose of the walk is to encourage fitness, practicing healthy lifestyles between Mother and Daughter which is a gift that is invaluable to everyone. We believe that when you encourage or motivate mothers to practice fitness you are helping her to open a door to better health (both physically and mentally).
Everyone is invited to participate in this event, as we show our love for our Mothers. If you do not have a daughter, adopt a daughter for the day and be a blessing. This is also a great opportunity to ensure Mother’s Health and well-being by keeping them active and physical, so daughters this is an excellent way to get our mothers off the couch and get moving.
The walk will commence from the Pond Street Gazebo at 5:30 a.m. to Governors Beach. Upon arrival, there will be an array of healthy foods, fruits and drinks, prizes and surprises to be won.
Proceeds from this event will be geared towards a swimming program for boys and girls, to commence during the summer holiday.
Registration fee: $5.00 Mothers, $1.00 Children
Paris Attack Suspect Abdeslam Charged With Terror Crimes
The man believed to be the last surviving member of the terror gang that killed 130 people in Paris five months ago, was formally charged in a Paris court Wednesday with murder, kidnapping, and using bombs and deadly weapons, his name isa Salah Ab-deslam.
Abdeslam is believed to have had a leading role in planning and preparing for the Paris attacks on Nov. 13. Suicide bombers armed with automatic weapons attacked a sports stadium, a concert hall and nightspots in the French capital, firing on those around them before detonating their explosives-filled vests.
Abdeslam had been on the run since November, but was arrested last month in Brussels — four days before bombings that killed 32 people in the Belgian capital, at an airport terminal and aboard a subway train.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks in both Paris and Brussels.
A French lawyer representing Abdeslam, Frank Berton, said his client is a broken man.
Media accounts said Abdeslam wore a suicide vest on that fateful Friday night, along with his brother and other gunmen, but apparently changed his mind at the last minute, discarding the explosives that were meant to kill him before fleeing. He is thought to be the only survivor among the gang that attacked Paris; all the others either blew themselves up or were killed by police.
Russia Asks UN for Sanctions on 2 Syrian Rebel Groups
Russia is asking the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions on two Syrian rebel groups, one of which has been heavily involved in peace talks.
Ambassador Vitaly Churkin on Tuesday accused Jaish al-Islam and Ahrar al-Sham of being "closely connected" to Islamic State and al-Qaida.
Jaish al-Islam is a top member of the Western- and Arab-backed High Negotiations Committee, which the U.N. set up last year to try to work out a political solution to the Syrian civil war.
A senior member of Jaish al-Islam told the French news agency AFP that it was actually Russia that was responsible for terrorism in Syria, with its airstrikes on rebels and ties to President Bashar al-Assad.
The other rebel group named by Russia, Ahrar al-Sham, is one of Syria's strongest Islamist groups and is aligned with the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.